For the first time since the start of conference play, Texas Tech softball had the lead after the first inning. However, the Red Raiders couldn’t hang on as Oklahoma State came from behind and claimed Game 2 of the series 8-6.

Tech was up 3-1 going into the fifth inning when the Cowgirls scored three runs to take a one run lead. The following inning, Oklahoma State added three more to increase its lead to four.

“We walked their first runner one inning and then a leadoff (got a) hit the next,” head coach Shanon Hays said. “We’ve got to do a better job of keeping their leadoff hitter each inning off. Their one and two hitters really hurt us today. When they get on they can steal bases and do a lot of things on the base pads that hurt you.”

Usually Tech’s game plan is to be aggressive and dictate how the game is played. But, with Oklahoma State’s leadoff batters reaching base in four out of seven innings, Hays said OSU “took it to them a little bit.”

Sophomore Gretchen Aucoin got the start in the circle for the Red Raiders and pitched five innings, allowing eight runs off four hits while striking out four.

After the fifth inning, Hays decided he would try to show Oklahoma State something different, so he went with junior Cara Custer.

However, the Cowgirls scored three runs off two hits off her.

“(Gretchen’s) changeup was pretty good today,” Hays said. “She was just OK. If she was on her game today, her and Cara both, that’s an easy win. It just didn’t work out that way.”

Senior Simone Freeman pitched a complete game for Oklahoma State and recorded 13 strikeouts, the most against Tech this season.

Offensively, the Red Raiders finished with nine hits, four of which came in the bottom of the sixth when Tech scored three runs.

Freshman center fielder Sydni Emanuel led the way with three RBIs off two hits. Sophomore third baseman Sydnie Tapia scored one run off one hit while freshman designated hitter Cassie McClure finished with a pair of RBIs, one off of a solo homer, her fifth of the season.

“Those three were very good and then (Samantha Camello) was good,” Hays said. “She’s been good all through conference. She lined up some balls. That’s the disappointing thing about today – when you score six runs you should win the game.”

Texas Tech battles Oklahoma State in the final game of the series at noon on Sunday with hopes of winning their first conference series.